Grading the Game Day Experience

[JayWalker]

I'll start by saying that I have been one of the most vocal critics of the game day experience at Cajun Field. That said: Here are my grades for Saturday's Game Day:

Parking: B+. This would have been an A+ if there were an easy way to access Lot D for early arrivals. The free on site parking in lots D & E [space available] makes sense.

Tailgate: A. Even though some tailgaters were moved from their traditional sites, I heard zero complaints; AND I was told that there were multiple tents set up on the East side of the stadium. If those were student tailgate spots, the grade goes to A++

Pregame: B. The Hype video was great; the students were great in their response to the entry of both teams; no National Anthem was disappointing, though I suspect it, along with the band's pregame on field show, was a victim of the lightning delay.

Piped in music during game: A+ for some Jimmy Buffett and for music in general more appropriate for the paying customers.

PA: A. The PA was still a bit annoying, but at least the volume was audible without being obnoxiously loud.

In-Game Crowd engagement: A. The T-shirt shoot, the 'row of the game' etc. were good, and appropriately done. The crowd itself was loud and engaged at least until the student section emptied.

Student Contribution to Experience: A. As long as they were there, the students were loud, boisterous and having a great time. They basically disappeared during halftime and the injury delay. Then again, it was getting late, the bars were open, and they are kids out for a good time. Hard to downgrade their score for leaving.

Handling of Digital Ticket problems: A+ Yeah, I know there were issues; but I have not heard one case of a fan being denied entrance or being significantly delayed because of snafus in the system. That is a huge + in my book. Kudos to putting the fan above getting an accurate count.

Overall Grade: A++ The first half Saturday was the best game day experience ever in Cajun Field for a crowd of 20K or less. The second half was not as good, but through no fault of the University.

ALL of the grades I gave above reflect my opinion that in this instance, the decision makers identified the problems they have with game day experience and addressed them in ways that improved said experience in almost every way.

Feel free to disagree; after all these are my opinion only.

If I had posted this, everyone would be ripping my ass.

Good analysis VO. Nice to see someone noticing good things.

[cajun4life]

The only issue I had was the baseball concessions were not open during the day for people who attend the Cajun walk and watch the band and spirit groups perform on the diamond before the game. Also no drinks being sold near the band stage under the oak. For people who don’t tailgate, it would be nice to have access to at least drinks outside of the stadium.

Yeah that was baffling.

[JMV JustMyView]

A+ for me too. Entry was very simple. I was even offered beer service at my seat. Never had to get up.

Now where do we complain about the heat? No AC, covered stadium.

Happy late Birthday Beau.

[CajunVic]

If I had posted this, everyone would be ripping my ass.

Good analysis VO. Nice to see someone noticing good things.

. . . don’t feel alone . . .

[Big Poppa]

I pretty much agree. Food is not an issue with me. Nothing they have really appeals to me. If I get anything it's water or sports drink. I go to watch the game and really don't care about much of anything else.

I’m with you. Much better food at the tailgate beforehand. I have a few beers and watch the game. That’s all I need.

[facelessjonmoon]

I'll start by saying that I have been one of the most vocal critics of the game day experience at Cajun Field. That said: Here are my grades for Saturday's Game Day:

Parking: B+. This would have been an A+ if there were an easy way to access Lot D for early arrivals. The free on site parking in lots D & E [space available] makes sense.

Tailgate: A. Even though some tailgaters were moved from their traditional sites, I heard zero complaints; AND I was told that there were multiple tents set up on the East side of the stadium. If those were student tailgate spots, the grade goes to A++

Pregame: B. The Hype video was great; the students were great in their response to the entry of both teams; no National Anthem was disappointing, though I suspect it, along with the band's pregame on field show, was a victim of the lightning delay.

Piped in music during game: A+ for some Jimmy Buffett and for music in general more appropriate for the paying customers.

PA: A. The PA was still a bit annoying, but at least the volume was audible without being obnoxiously loud.

In-Game Crowd engagement: A. The T-shirt shoot, the 'row of the game' etc. were good, and appropriately done. The crowd itself was loud and engaged at least until the student section emptied.

Student Contribution to Experience: A. As long as they were there, the students were loud, boisterous and having a great time. They basically disappeared during halftime and the injury delay. Then again, it was getting late, the bars were open, and they are kids out for a good time. Hard to downgrade their score for leaving.

Handling of Digital Ticket problems: A+ Yeah, I know there were issues; but I have not heard one case of a fan being denied entrance or being significantly delayed because of snafus in the system. That is a huge + in my book. Kudos to putting the fan above getting an accurate count.

Overall Grade: A++ The first half Saturday was the best game day experience ever in Cajun Field for a crowd of 20K or less. The second half was not as good, but through no fault of the University.

ALL of the grades I gave above reflect my opinion that in this instance, the decision makers identified the problems they have with game day experience and addressed them in ways that improved said experience in almost every way.

Feel free to disagree; after all these are my opinion only.

I agree. Someone is listening and trying to improve the in game fan experience

Little tweaks like the "in game DJ" was a nice attempt to engage fans. Shooting t shirts into the crowd is an old Cajun Chicken trick

Although I'd prefer more band vs piped in music overall- the In game music selection was much improved and well placed

Regarding the electronic tickets, none of mine in my mobile Apple wallet scanned but the ticket scanner let me right in no problem. The gist I got from them is most were not scanning. At least at gate A

[KajunKrazy]

If I had posted this, everyone would be ripping my ass.

Good analysis VO. Nice to see someone noticing good things.

Now why would they do that to a good fella like you?

[SMD7636]

I wish Russo Park had concessions and televisions on football during pregame tailgate. Football was only on the big screen.

UL needs 1 big pep rally outside the stadium before the game instead of 2 in and out of Russo Park.

[KajunKrazy]

I agree. Someone is listening and trying to improve the in game fan experience

Little tweaks like the "in game DJ" was a nice attempt to engage fans. Shooting t shirts into the crowd is an old Cajun Chicken trick

Although I'd prefer more band vs piped in music overall- the In game music selection was much improved and well placed

You are correct. The stadium is a 1971 model. Something’s just wont be fixed until rebuilt. I have a feeling the new stadium will be such a great experience people will like it so much they won’t even complain if they have to walk across the street to get to it.

[CajunVic]

Now why would they do that to a good fella like you?

. . . or me . . .